Budgeting for a Kitchen Remodeling Project

The budgets for kitchens can vary considerably based on project scope and material selections.

The 5% to 15% Rule can help you establish a reasonable starting point for your kitchen budget. The 5% to 15% Rule states:

The entire kitchen project (including cabinets, appliances, countertops, flooring, lighting, trim molding & wall coverings) should cost … no less than 5% and no more than 15% of the current value of your home … with approximately 50% of the total cost allocated for cabinets (including hardware, accessories and trim).

5% to 15% Rule – (Sample Kitchen Budgets)

$400,000 Home

5%

$20,000

8%*

$32,000

15%

$60,000

$500,000 Home

5%

$25,000

8%*

$40,000

15%

$75,000

$600,000 Home

5%

$30,000

8%*

48,000

15%

$90,000

$700,000 Home

5%

$35,000

8%*

$56,000

15%

$105,000

* The typical kitchen budget is 8% of the home value

SAMPLE KITCHEN REMODEL ESTIMATE

Here is a sample kitchen remodel estimate and plan by a full service remodeling company. The project includes:

The following table shows the costs breakdown for the estimate and plans detailed above.

Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown

Planning and permits

1,014

2.4%

Site Work and demolition

2,168

5.2%

Framing

1,940

4.7%

Trim-Siding

301

0.7%

Door-Window

1,367

3.3%

Plumbing

4,851

11.7%

Heating

1,352

3.3%

Electrical

4,704

11.3%

Insulation

882

2.1%

Drywall and plaster

1,323

3.2%

Cabinets, counters and trim

17,736

42.7%

Flooring

1,323

3.2%

Painting

735

1.8%

Job management

1,826

4.4%

Job Total:

41,523

Cabinet and counter pricing represent the biggest variable in the cost breakdown. All kitchen projects have unique scope and construction challenges that will affect pricing. The size and organization of the construction team you use for the project will also be a key factor in the price of your new kitchen.